Chapter 8

"If you guys have a kid now, I can help take care of it. How many days do I have left? I don't want to leave with regrets."

Anouk's heartfelt plea for them to have a baby left them both speechless.

Frederick's face twisted with a mix of emotions, his brows furrowed as he got lost in his thoughts.

Charlotte instinctively wanted to touch her belly, but remembering where she was, she stopped herself.

Why did Anouk suddenly bring up having kids?

Could it be that her pregnancy had been leaked? No way, that couldn't be it.

She was extremely cautious when she went for the check-up, so there was no way this news could have spread so fast.

Charlotte pushed down her shock and put on a very understanding and gracious front.

She smiled with her eyes, hooked her arm around Anouk's,and rested her head on her shoulder.

She said playfully, "Grandma, there's no rush to have kids. We're still young and haven't enjoyed enough of our time together."

But Anouk had a different take on it.

"You just need to give birth. From the moment the child is born, I'll find someone to take care of it, and it won't interfere with your lives." "We..."

Charlotte wanted to say more but Anouk cut her off.

"You've been married for several years; it's time to have a child.In families like ours, raising a qualified heir takes a lot of effort and resources.

"If you have a child now, by the time I finish grooming him, you can retire.Isn't that good?"

Anouk's clear reasoning left Charlotte speechless.

"But..."

She hesitated and shot Frederick a look, hoping he'd come up with an excuse.

But Frederick, with his arms crossed, looked indifferent and refused to back herup.

Charlotte was secretly furious at his attitude.

Since Frederick didn't want to handle it, she had no choice but to make up an excuse.

Charlotte cleared her throat, looked at Frederick with a troubled expression,and then sighed. She leaned into Anouk's ear and said, "Grandma, I want kids too, but Frederick is just incompetent." "What!" Anouk's eyes widened in shock as she looked at Frederick, unable to believe what she had heard.

Frederick's eyes narrowed dangerously.

Although he hadn't heard what Charlotte had told Anouk, he knew it wasn't something good.

Anouk's reaction confirmed his suspicion.

"What did you say to Grandma?"

Frederick lowered his voice, with a hint of anger.

Charlotte, emboldened by. Anouk's presence, replied confidently, "Honey,

don't be mad. I just told Grandma the truth."

Charlotte spoke in a strained voice, with a hint of grievance in her tone.

Frederick's temple veins throbbed.

Whenever Charlotte acted like this, it meant she had some bad idea.He glared at her threateningly.

Before Charlotte could continue her act, Anouk stepped in.

"Frederick! What's with that look! Your health is already a letdown to

Charlotte, and you dare to be mean to her?"

"I didn't."

Frederick felt a headache coming on.

"What do you mean? I saw it clearly!"

Anouk turned to Charlotte with concern. "Charlotte, if Frederick ever bullies you again, come to me. I'll stand up for you." "Thank you, Grandma. You're the best."

Charlotte threw herself into Anouk's arms, sneaking a triumphant smile.

Frederick was fuming.

"Charlotte, just cut it out. Don't forget your place."

Ever since he mentioned divorce, Charlotte had changed. She used to be as docile as a rabbit, but now she was as cunning as a fox.

"Enough!"

Anouk's smile faded, and she assumed her authoritative demeanor,looking at Frederick. "Don't try to fool me. I heard you two are getting a divorce, but I don't agree."

"Grandma?"

Charlotte was taken aback and straightened up from Anouk's embrace.

Anouk just patted her hand comfortingly and continued to stare at Frederick.

She knew Frederick well.

If there were rumors of a divorce, the problem must lie with Frederick.

Frederick's lips were tightly pressed.

The decisive and authoritative old lady before him was the grandmother he had known all his life. Anouk had always been more stern than affectionate with him. She only seemed like a kind grandmother in front of Charlotte. "Grandma, we've decided to divorce. Please don't interfere."

"Let me not interfere? Do you want me to watch you ruin your family over a promise you made in your youth?" Anouk raised her voice.

Charlotte quickly soothed her, looking at Anouk with admiration.

She had never seen Anouk so imposing.

"Grandma, I'm now the head of the Percy Family. I no longer..."

Frederick was cut off mid-sentence.

Anouk slammed the sofa armrest. "Oh, so now you think I'm old and can't discipline you? Or do you think you're too powerful? You've only been in charge of the Percy Family for a few years, and you're already dismissing me?"

Anouk turned her head away, looking very disappointed. "If you won't listen to me, then don't appear before me in the future. I'll consider you no longer my grandson!"

Perhaps she was too agitated, Anouk started coughing violently after speaking.

Charlotte quickly patted her back. "Grandma, don't be angry. Even if we divorce, you'll always be my grandma. Whenever you want to see me, I'll come back to see you." Charlotte's words were sincere, even though she was comforting Anouk. Anouk's protection moved her deeply. "Charlotte, don't speak for this jerk," Anouk was still struggling to catch her breath.

"Grandma, lsten to me."

Charlotte said seriously,"I agree with the divorce. In our circle, arranged marriages like ours often end badly. You know this better than I do."

Anouk gradually calmed down, looking at Charlotte in confusion.

Charlotte continued,"Instead of ending up miserable, it's better to cut our losses while we're young and still have a chance to start over. I'm sorry for disappointing you..."

Tears welled up in Anouk's eyes.

"Silly girl, if you mention arranged marriages, have you thought about what breaking ties with the Percy Family would mean for you?"